CBC, Astral team in vid market

Pubcaster CBC and Astral Video have joined forces in a distribution and marketing alliance that will bring television programming to the Canadian video market.

CBC English net topper Ivan Fecan said that prior to the launch of CBC Home Video, CBC product was more available outside Canada than within the country.

The CBC Home Video label will roll out one or two titles per month, beginning with the March 31 release of historical drama, “Riel.” The initiative will provide a mix of miniseries, telepics, comedy, variety and children’s programming. Titles include miniseries “Conspiracy of Silence” and docu “War Against The Indians,” acquired by the Discovery Channel.

Thomas Howe, CBC’s international sales director, said they linked up with Astral to utilize the Montreal-based company’s wholesale video expertise.